Swanage Shanty Festival

The inaugural Swanage Shanty Festival will feature the best shanty groups around! Hosted by Kelp!, and held at The Mowlem on 21st November 2026, this will be a festival you won’t want to miss.

There is a saying in Swanage: ‘If you stand still long enough Kelp will sing at you’.

This developed into an idea that came after several pints and refused to go away.

There was no public demand.

No feasibility study.

But in 2026 we will bring our friends from near and far to The Mowlem on 21st November and sing our socks off! The RNLI will receive all proceeds, Hattie Brown’s Brewery is on full alert to ensure the bar is stocked.

In short, it will be a day to remember.